In a chilling escalation of violence in Imo State, two Nigerian soldiers were killed and a third remains missing following an ambush by fighters from the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The attack, which occurred on December 28, 2024, in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area, has once again raised the stakes in the ongoing battle between the Nigerian military and separatist groups in the Southeast.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the deaths in a statement released over the weekend, detailing a fierce clash between its troops and ESN operatives. According to the statement, the incident unfolded when soldiers of the 34 Artillery Brigade were responding to a distress call after reports of an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN fighters.
Upon arrival, the military engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower. Although the Army reported some casualties on the ESN side, the exact number of insurgents killed remains unclear. The statement, however, made it clear that the ESN fighters withdrew in disarray. In the aftermath, two soldiers were confirmed dead, with one other missing in action. In addition, a Tear Gas Launcher and an AK-47 rifle were stolen by the attackers.
“The bodies of the fallen soldiers have been recovered,” the statement read. “Our troops are currently in pursuit of the terrorists, ensuring they do not escape justice.”
The military’s pursuit of the attackers continued in the days following the initial ambush. The Army reported further contact with the ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, where another firefight broke out. During this encounter, one ESN fighter was killed, and additional weapons—including an AK-47 rifle—were recovered. The relentless pursuit led the troops into the dense Umalouma forest, where they engaged the insurgents in another heavy firefight.
“As the battle intensified, the dissidents, unable to withstand our troops’ superior firepower, abandoned their weapons and fled into the thick forest,” the Army continued. “In total, we have recovered five AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines.”
Despite the heavy losses suffered by the ESN fighters, the military has made it clear that the pursuit will not end until the remaining insurgents are captured or neutralized. “We will continue to track the wounded criminals and smoke them out of their hideouts,” the statement concluded. “We urge the criminal elements to surrender or face the consequences.”
This attack is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, more complex conflict in Imo State, which has been embroiled in violence since 2021. Following the controversial Supreme Court ruling that installed Senator Hope Uzodinma as the governor of the state—overturning the election results and removing the elected governor—Imo has been a battleground for both government forces and separatist militants.
The ongoing conflict has led to the destruction of entire communities and markets, as the military steps up its efforts to combat the rising tide of separatism in the region. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the heavy-handed tactics employed by the military, including the burning of villages in the name of counterinsurgency operations.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation in Osina as “chaotic and terrifying.” “We don’t know who to trust anymore,” the source said. “The soldiers come in and destroy everything, then the ESN attacks us. It’s a nightmare we can’t escape from.”
The violence has also deeply affected the lives of civilians in the region. Markets have been destroyed, families displaced, and businesses left in ruins. While the military continues its operations, many Imo residents are caught in the crossfire, uncertain of the future.
The Army has urged the people of Imo State to continue supporting the military by providing intelligence on the movements of insurgents. In a public appeal, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman emphasized the need for cooperation to ensure peace and security, especially during the festive season.
“We ask the good people of Imo to work with us,” the spokesman said. “Your cooperation can help ensure that this Yuletide season is peaceful and free from fear.”
However, there is growing resentment among many locals, who feel that the military’s actions have only intensified the conflict. Critics argue that the continued military presence has not only failed to quell the insurgency but has also exacerbated the suffering of ordinary citizens.
In addition to the military’s operations, the presence of various armed groups, including the ESN, has created a climate of fear and instability in the region. IPOB, the separatist organization behind the ESN, continues to press for the restoration of the Republic of Biafra, citing long-standing grievances over the marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria. The separatist movement, which gained momentum in the wake of the Nigerian Civil War, has consistently clashed with the Nigerian government.
